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7 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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mitochondria
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An organelle found in large numbers in most cells, in which the biochemical processes of respiration and energy production occur.
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Structure
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The outer membrane is smooth unlike the inner membrane and has almost the same amount of phospholipids as proteins.
The inner membrane is more complex in structure than the outer membrane as it contains the complexes of the electron transport chain and the ATP synthetase complex. The matrix is a complex mixture of enzymes that are important for the synthesis of ATP molecules, special mitochondrial ribosomes, tRNAs and the mitochondrial DNA. |
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Functions
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The most important function of the mitochondria is to produce energy. The food that we eat is broken into simpler molecules like carbohydrates, fats, etc., in our bodies.
It is important to maintain proper concentration of calcium ions within the various compartments of the cell. they also help in the building of certain parts of the blood, and hormones like testosterone and estrogen. Mitochondria in the liver cells have enzymes that detoxify ammonia. |
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Dysfunction
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Over 50 million people in the U.S. have chronic degenerative disorders that involve Mitochondrial dysfunction. Dysfunction of mitochondria can affect the production of cell-specific products that are essential for proper cell functioning and energy production.
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What is the Origin of the Mitochondria?
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Mitochondria contain their own DNA and transcription and translation processes, separate from the nuclear DNA. Largely because of this it is widely suspected that they had an origin that is independent of other cellular organelles.
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Why is the Mitochondria Important?
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Mitochondria are vitally important because they provide the energy for cells to carry out their metabolic functions. To do this they break down the glucose in our food into a substance known as ATP (adenosine triphospate).
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Who Discovered the Mitochondria?
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There isn't one single person credited with discovering the mitochondria, as over the years a number of scientists have made important contributions to the study of the discovery of this important cellular structure.
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